Idea Transcript
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1
outhern Lepidopterists'
EST. 1978
Official Newsletter of the Southern Lepidopterists' Society
VOL: 19 NO. 2
AUGUST 15,1997
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOUTHERN LEPIDOPTERISTS' SOCIETY ORGANIZED TO PROMOTE SCIENTIFIC INTEREST AND KNOWLEDGE RELATED TO UNDERSTANDING THE LEPIDOPTERA FAUNA OF THE SOUTHERN REGION OF THE UNITED STATES EDITOR: LEROY C. KOEHN
19th ANNUAL MEETING OF THE SOUTHERN LEPIDOPTERISTS SOCIETY OCTOBER 11 & 12 1997 IN GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA The 1997 Annual Meeting of the Southern Lepidopterists1 Society will be held in the Doyle Conner Auditorium at the Division of Plant Industry, Gainesville, Florida (see map). The meeting provides an excellent opportunity to get together and share information, field experiences, and personal research projects with others who enjoy the same interests. As always, a number of guest speakers will discuss fascinating topics regarding the Lepidoptera of the southeastern United States. Speakers include John (Barry) Lombardini who will provide insight into the Lepidoptera fauna of the Texas panhandle, Marc C. Minno who will outline the Arogos Skipper Survey in Florida, and John Calhoun who will introduce an updated list of the butterflies and skippers of Florida. Following the meeting, a dinner at a local restaurant is planned and field trips to nearby Florida localities are being organized for Sunday. We will be continuing the tradition (begun last year) of dedicating the meeting to an important lepidopterist who has greatly contributed to our knowledge of the Lepidoptera of the state hosting the meeting. This year, we honor John A. Grossbeck (1883 -1914) who compiled the first state list of all known Florida Lepidoptera. The exhaustive research by Charles P. Kimball on Florida Lepidoptera relied heavily on the research of Grossbeck who published his list over fifty years earlier. A short biographical sketch of Grossbeck will be presented by John Calhoun. Plan now to attend! If you are interested in presenting a paper or short talk, please contact John Calhoun prior to October 1st to enable us to allow time for your presentation. There will be a business meeting with election of officers, officers reports and a status of the society presentation by Leroy Koehn. There are several important issues to be decided . Locations for field meetings and the annual meeting in 1998 will be determined. There will be an "Abbot Award" presentation, the first since 1992. The Florida State Collection of Arthropods will be open for viewing Saturday morning. This is a great opportunity to get those UFO's identified. The collection of Lepiodptera is very extensive and contains large series of many interesting species from the southern region of the United States. We encourage you to take this opportunity to utilize the collection.
NEWS OF SOUTHERN LEPEDOPTERISTS' SOCIETY
VOLUME 19 NO. 2 PG.20
MAP AND DIRECTIONS TO ANNUAL MEETING AT THE FLORIDA STATE COLLECTION OF ARTHROPODS (FSCA)
CITY OF GAINESVILLE
FLORIDA STATE .X COLLECTION OF ARTHROPODS
SW 20th AVE.
From US SOlturn west on Waldo Rd./S.R. 24 to Gainesville. Turn right on University Ave. Follow University Ave. to SW 34th Street. Turn right on SW 34th Street and go south to traffic light at SW 20th Ave. And turn right into FSCA parking lot. From 1-75 use Exit #76 to Newberry Rd., east on Newberry rd. To University Ave.. East on University Ave. to SW 34th Street. Turn left on SW 34th Street and go south to traffic light at SW 20th Ave. Turn right into FSCA parking lot. Watchfor Southern Lepidopterists' logo signs to guide you.
ANNUAL MEETING SCHEDULE SATURDAY OCTOBER 11: Doyle Conner Auditorium 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
The Florida State Collection will be open for viewing. Coffee and doughnuts provided. Bring your UFO's; this is a great opportunity to get them identified. This is an opportunity to meet other members, make new friends and and talk lepidoptera!!
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Business meeting, election of officers and other society business.
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Lunch break at Subway
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Presentation of papers
3:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Presentation of the "Abbot Award"
3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Presentation of papers
5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Dinner at a local restaurant
7:15 PM till whenever
Open house and slide fest at Jeffrey Slotten's home OR Moth collecting in the Gainesville area (details at the meeting)
NEWS OF SOUTHERN LEPIDOPTERISTS' SOCIETY
VOLUME 19 NO. 2 PG. 21
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM
Meet at the Florida State Collection parking lot for all-day collecting and field activities.
6:00 PM till whenever
Moth collecting hi the Gainesville area.
This will be a great meeting, make plans to attend now!!!!! ***************************************************:
SPRING FIELD TRIP IN NORTHWEST GEORGIA
JAMES K. ADAMS
The spring in NW Georgia this year has been anything but normal. Last Spring (1996) was quite late, with cool weather extending up through the middle of April. This year spring came extremely early, with 60 and 70 degree weather persisting through most of March, and many decent 50+ degree moth collecting nights. As such, this spring has produced several very early records for many species (see this issue and Vol. 19, No.l), not to mention some nice new state records. Although the records have been quite exciting, and the number of interesting moth records suggest that this year is going to be an extremely productive one, the early spring did not bode well for collectors wishing to come to north Georgia for the early spring butterflies. Why? Most species were on the whig two to three weeks earlier than usual, and many species had finished flying by the scheduled field trip weekend of April 12 and 13. For instance, last year, the pretty day-flying spring moth Psycomorpha epimenis was common the first week of April. This year it was common the first week of March (though some individuals were still seen at the month's end)!! The elfins were extremely uncommon this spring, and both Incisalia henrici and Incisalia augustus were done flying by April. Don Rolfs of Wenatchee, Washington came through for a Spring Field Trip preview in March, at a time when it is usually very iffy in terms of collecting anything, and yet he was able to get some very nice lycaenids (Incisalia augustus. Parhassius m-album. Atlides halesus. and Glaucopsyche lygdamusX So the idiosyncracies of this spring's weather made it anyone's guess as to what would be frying on field trip weekend (though any moth collector knows that there will always be something interesting, weather permitting!). April rolled hi with temperatures somewhat below normal (trying to make up for the warm March??). As the weekend of April 12 and 13 approached, the weather did not seem as though it was going to cooperate, with rain predicted for Saturday after a sunny Friday, and a f orcasted sunny but mid 50's Sunday. Call after call from interested collectors led to one after another "maybe I'll be there, maybe not" (with emphasis on the "not"). The "Longest Distance Travelled" award (excluding the earlier visit by Don Rolfs) for those who finally did show up for the field trip goes to Eleaner Adams, who came in all the way from Kansas City (though I grant you that, as my mother, she did have ulterior motives for visiting). We took advantage of the 70+ degree Friday sunshine to investigate what was flying at two of the nearby butterfly and moth hot spots: Taylor's Ridge, 5 miles west of Villanow on Hwy. 136 in Walker Co.; and further west at Pigeon Mountain (west side), west of LaFayette, also in Walker Co. At Taylor's Ridge, we saw a few Tiger Swallowtails (Pterourus glaucus) and saw a few straggling Orange Tips (Anthocharis midea) as well as Virgina Whites (Pieris virginiensisX We also saw a few Pine Elfins (Incisalia niphon) which in late years may fly up into June. We also had several Lilac Borers (Podosesia syringae) come to some seven-year-old pheromone(!) that my mom leaves attached to her net. The most interesting catch was a very dark female of the tiger moth Grammia figurata. from which I obtained eggs (which were successfully reared). At Pigeon Mountain, we saw Anthocharis midea. Pieris virginiensis. and Pterourus glaucus. as well as Giant Swallowtails (Heraclides cresphontesl and Zebra Swallowtails (Eurytides marcellusl which have been incredibly abundant this spring. Also seen was the Olive Hairstreak (Mitoura gryneusl a couple more Podosesia syringae. and some incredibly small Variegated Fritillaries rEuptoieta claudial which first we thought to be a new state record for Boloria bellona (not so far fetched when there have been a few collected in recent years in Mississippi). Some skippers were also relatively abundant, including Erynnis brizo. Erynnis juvenalis. and Erynnis horatius. as well as Amblyscirtes hegon. Another unusual phenomenon that has been apparent, not only during the field trip weekend, but during most of the month of March and continuing on through April, is the incredible abundance of Monarchs (Danaus plexippus") frying northward through the area. This is the first time I can recall having seen anything like a directional mass migration hi the spring. Michael Lockwood, currently from Birrningham, Alabama, joined us Friday night for a visit to the nearby convenience stores (around Dalton and Rocky Face) for moth collecting. The night was quite unproductive, being cut short by the incoming rams. The night did, however, produce the very first record for this area of the uncommon but attractive little geometrid Heliomata infulata (which will come to lights, by the way). More on this pretty moth follows. The following day (Saturday, April 12) began with a cameo appearance by Roger Ziebold of Ohio, who was returning to Ohio from a trip into Florida. Dalton was a convenient stop for him along the way, so he had decided to participate should the weather seem reasonable. However, the clouds rolling by as we sat and conversed at the local Waffle House convinced him to move on without one single swing of the net. Irving Finkelstein and Bill Russell of Atlanta made a Saturday afternoon trip over to Pigeon Mountain, despite the cloudy conditions. They did find a significant number of the same species that had been seen the previous day, so the day turned out to be a not completely unproductive butterfly day, though there was nothing particularly unusual to be seen.
NEWS OF SOUTHERN LEPIDOPTERISTS' SOCIETY
VOLUME 19 NO. 2 PG. 22
Saturday night started out still cloudy, but no longer raining, with temperatures in the 60's. These conditions, as most "moth"ers are aware, are actually quite good for moth collecting. Eleaner Adams, Irving Finkelstein, Bill Russell, and Mike Lockwood all participated in the moth collecting this night. Mike Lockwood, with his 1200 watt generator and his 1000 watt mercury vapor bulb, lit up the woods at the Taylor Ridge site (mentioned above). As darkness fell, the moths started to come to the sheets, slowly at first, but in increasing numbers as the darkness progressed. Particularly common were Luna Moths (Actias luna). as well as Tulip-Tree Moths (Callosamia angulifera) and Azalea Sphinxes (Darapsa pholus). Also making brief appearances were Polyphemus Moths (Antheraea polyphemus). one Lettered Sphinx (Deidamia inscripta). and one Abbott's Spinx (Sphecodina ahbottiD. Numerous arctiids and noctuids came to the sheet, most notably Spilosoma congrua. numerous Zale species, Elaphria:species. Hypsoropha monilis. Argyrostrotis anilis. Dysgonia smithii. and the uncommon Acronicta tritona. Several geometrids also came in, most notably the common Heliomata cycladata. an unusual Orthofidonia species, and the second Heliomata infulata of the weekend, which Irving eagerly pounced on! The earliest of the limacodid moths (Tortricidea testacea) was also present in good numbers, as were many different micros. The mothing, although perhaps not particularly productive, was entertaining, and the "Lepidoptera tales", which anyone knows are one of the major reasons for lepidopterists getting together at anytime, continued on into the early morning hours of the 13th. The spring field trip in NW Georgia this year was certainly not a rousing success. However, considering the weather conditions, the numbers and diversity were actually quite decent. I am wholly aware that the species listed above may not be particularly exciting to many of you, but I can guarantee any moth collector some truly exciting moth collecting practically any time during the warm months (and even during certain nights in the winter!). Also, there are certainly some interesting butterflies to be had here as well during appropriate flight periods. So I encourage any of you who did not make the trip this time to give me a call should you be heading hi this direction. And don't forget to bring theUFO's!! 1997 SOUTHERN LEPIDOPTERISTS SPRING FIELD MEETING TO CONCAN. TEXAS The second field meeting of 1997 was held at Neal's Lodge hi Concan, Texas. Eighteen members and friends attended the meeting which took pice from 9-11 May 1997. Those present were: Charles Bordelon, Hermann and Hanna Flaschka, Drew Hildebrandt and Maria Plonczynski and daughter Emily, Joseph (Terry) Doyle, Roy O. Kendall, Leroy C. Koehn, Ed Knudson, John Lombardini, Richard Lombardini, Greg Muise, Edward Riley and family, John Vernon, and Bill Witteman. This event, which may become a tradition, is sometimes frustrating, especially when the weather doesn't cooperate; usually good and sometimes fabulous collecting; but always great fun and an excellent opportunity to forge new and strengthen old friendships; all in a most beautiful and classic Texas setting. Our thanks to Mary Anna and her staff at Neal's lodge. Several UV light systems were set up and light traps, pheromone traps and bait traps set out. There were not as many moths as usual, perhaps partly due to the cool nighttime temperatures. Friday night moth collecting was effected by the rather windy and cool weather; however, several good moths were taken including: Manduca qm'nquemaculata. Manduca sexta. Hyles lineata. Agrius cingulatus. Sphinx dolli. Sphinx istar. Gloveria sphmgiformis. Hyalophora cecropia. and Eumorpha vitis. The weather was greatly unproved for moth collecting Saturday night. The most interesting moth was found by Ed Knudson, the noctuid, Dypterygia dolens. of which 6 specimens were collected around Leroy's sheet. Ed Knudson and Charles Bordelon collected the Sesiid moth Zenodoxus palmi which they attracted with pheromone lures late Saturday afternoon. The sun appeared about mid-morning Saturday which provided excellent conditions for butterflies. There were about 60 species of butterflies on the wing, but some of the specialities of the area were absent. The most interesting species was Nymphalis antiopa. which is not often very commonly seen in Texas. Leroy Koehn took several in his bait traps. Neal's Lodge provided an excellent base for the field trip. Collecting along the trails and roads adjacent to the Frio River was very productive. With plentiful spring rains, the wild flowers were in full bloom and were absolutely spectacular. The restaurant at the lodge provided excellent meals as well as a gathering place to share the days field experience. Leroy Koehn set up his large UV light system and it became a gathering point for moth collecting and story telling, and an endless stream of one liners. It was good to have Roy Kendall join us. His knowledge of the Lepidoptera of Texas is truly amazing. Several members were hi the field with Roy on Saturday and learned a great deal from him. Butterflies collected during the meeting were: Erynnis funeralis. Pyrgus communis. Prygus oileus. Pholisora catullus. Lerema accius. Hylephila phyleus. Amblyscirtes nysa. Amhlyscirtes celia. Lerodea eufala. Battus philenor. Papilio polyxenes. Heraclides cresphontes. Pterourus muhticaudata. Colias eurytheme. Zerene cesonia. Kricogonia lyside Eurema nicippe. Pyrisitia lisa. Nathalis iole. Mitoura gryneus castalis. Strymon melinus. Thessalia theona bolli. Texola elada ulrica. Anthanassa texana texana. Phyciodes phaon. Phyciodes vesta. Adelpha bredowii eulalia. Asterocampa antonia. Asterocampa louisa. and Megisto rubricata. Almost everyone departed by mid-morning Sunday, some for home and some for other collecting locations. It was a great meeting. Come join us in the field at the next meeting.
NEWS OF SOUTHERN LEPIDQPTERTSTS' SOCIETY
VOLUME 19 NO. 2 PG.23
UHermannFlaschka, Ed Knudson and Charles Bordelon exchange notes. 2.) Waiting for dinner, John Vernon, Terry Doyle, Drew Hildebrandt, Maria Plonczynski, Emily Hildebrandt, Ed Riley, Bill Witteman and Charles Bordelon. 3.) Terry Doyle and Leroy Koehn sort through a nights catch. 4.) Roy Kendall 5.) Terry Doyle
NEWS OF SOUTHERN LEPIDOPTERISTS' SOCIETY
VOLUME 19 NO. 2 PG.24
6.) The food at Concan was excellent! I think everyone in this photograph will agree!! Left to right: Charles Bordelon, Ed Knudson, Roy Kendall, Richard Lombardini, Barry Lombardini, Leroy Koehn and Terry Doyle. 7.) John Vernon 8.) Ed Riley, Drew Hildebrandt and Maria Ploncynski. 9.) Bill Witteman 10.) Charles Bordelon and Terry Doyle: Collecting off a sheet, Terry Doyle is explaining to Charles Bordelon how to jar a moth, however, it appears as if Terry has missed it! Editor note: Come join us next year at one of our field meetings. You'll have a great time with others who share your interests. Attend the annual meeting this fall in Gainesville, Florida and help select the locations for next years field meetings.
NEWS OF SOUTHERN LEPIDOPTERISTS' SOCIETY
VOLUME 19 NO. 2 PG.25
VOLTINISM OF CITHERONIA SEPULCRALJS (GRQTE & ROBINSON) IN LOUISIANA
VERNON A. BRQU
Citheronia sepuicralis G&R is one of two species of the genus Citheronia found in the eastern United States. This species is an obscure, sooty-brown moth with rose-colored tinge, especially on basal area of hindwing. The wingspan generally ranges 7-10 cm, males with narrow, pointed wings are much smaller than females. Though not previously reported for Louisiana, it has been collected in ultraviolet light traps for the past 25 years by this author in East Baton Rouge, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and West Feliciana Parishes, Louisiana. Covell (1984) states this species has only one brood. Ferguson (1971) states the species has two broods in the south, and speculates there are more than two broods in Florida, specimens appearing there March through October. Citheronia sepuicralis flies March through October in Louisiana, and appears to have five broods,the first peaking around April 2land the remaining four broods each peaking at 35-day intervals beginning May 31, Fig. 1. The third brood in some years is absent, and in most years exhibiting an extremely diminished number of individuals. This missing brood phenomenon occurs mong numerous lepidoptera species and is an attribute which can affect one or more broods of multi-brooded species.The fourth brood of Citheronia sepuicralis consistently has the greatest umber of individuals and accounts for about 63% of the total specimens in Fig. 1. MARCH
JULY
5 !0 15 20 25
10 1 5 20 25
5
AUGUST
10 1 b 20 25
SEPTEMBER b
10 I b 20 25
OCT 5
10
Fig. 1. Dates of capture of Citheronia sepuicralis (1990-96) at Sec.24T6SR12E, 4.2 mi.NE Abita Springs, Louisiana, n = 1295. Arrows below indicate brood peaks. Literature Cited Covell, Jr., C.V. 1984. A field guide to moths eastern North America. The Peterson Field Guide Series No. 30 Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, xv + 469pp., 64 plates. Ferguson, C.C. 1971. The Moths of America North of Mexico. Fasc. 20.2A; Bombycoidea, Saturnidae. London: Curwen Press. THE FLIGHT PERIOD OF SYNANTHEDQN ACERNIS (CLEMENS) IN SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA
VERNON BROU
Abstract: Multi-year capture data in Louisiana of this maple tree pest is graphically illustrated. Additional key words: clearwing, maple callus borer, sesiidae. Synanthedon acerni (Clemens) is a very common species occurring throughout Louisiana. Brown (1945) lists 9 species of maple (Acer sp.) occurring in Louisiana. Despite the commonness of acerni, an accurate portrayal of the flightperiod of this species in the south is lacking. For example, in recent publications: Brown & Mizell (1993) states "one brood April through September in Florida", Covell (1984) states "adults April through August", Eichlin & Duckworth (1988) states "most adults May through July, but as early as April in the south and August in the northeast", Neal & Eichlin (1983) states "adults May 31 to June 20 in Maryland", Taft, Smitley, & Snow (1991) states "one brood, adults May through July in the north central United States".
NEWS OF SOUTHERN LEPIDOPTERISTS' SOCIETY
VOLUME 19 NO. 2 PG.26
For the past 27 years, many thousands have been collected in Louisiana using ultraviolet light traps operating year-round. Adults occur every month of the year, with the majority on the wing March through November. Dates of capture (1991-96) are plotted on a 6-year composite year-by-day graph (Fig. l).There are no apparent brood peaks indicating specific flight periods, though the initial spring emergence (March-April) contains the greatest quantity of specimens. JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBCFI
Fig. 1. Dates of capture of Synanthedon acerni at sec.24T6SR12E, 4.2 mi. ME Abita Springs, Louisiana (1991-96), n = 1072. Literature Cited Brown, Clair A. 1945. Louisiana Trees and Shrubs. Louisiana Forestry Commission Bull. 1., Baton Rouge. Brown, LJSL and RP. Mizell 1993. The clearwing borers of Florida (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae). Tropical Lepidoptera Vol. 4, Supplement 4.21pp. Covell, Jr., C.V. 1984. A field guide to moths of eastern North America. The Peterson Field Guide Series No. 30. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, xv + 469pp., 64 plates. Eichlin, T.D. and W.D. Duckworth 1988. Sesoidea: Sesiidae. In Dominick, R.B. et al. (eds), The Moths of America North of Mexico. Fasc. 5.1. Washington:Wedge Ent. Res. Found. 176pp. Neal, J.W. and T.D. Eichlin 1983. Seasonal response of six male Sesiidae of woody ornamentals to clearwing borer lure. Environ. Ent. 12:206-9. . Taft, W.H., D. Smitley and J.W. Snow 1991. A guide to the clearwing borers (Sesiidae) of the north central United States. USDA, N.Cent. Reg. Publ. (East Lansing), 394: 1-30.
TfflS-N-THAT & OTHER TIDBITS A NEW LEPIDOPTERIST IS BORN The latest member of the Southern Lepidopterists' Society, Patrick Nathaniel Adams, was born on June 10,1997, to the proud parents James K. Adams and Kathy Parker-Adams. He weighed in at a modest 6 pounds, 7 ounces. CONGRATULATIONS!!! ************************* ROY RINGS IS NAMED AN HONORY LIFE MEMBER OF THE OHIO LEPIDOPTERISTS Dr. Roy Rings was named an honory life member of the Ohio Lepidopterists in a short ceremony at the Ohio Agriculture Research and Development Center in Wooster, Ohio. He was recognized for were his contributions to the study of Lepidoptera in Ohio, especially the publication of The Owlet Moths of Ohio (1992), which took 18 years to prepare. Presenting Dr. Rings with a plaque and their best wishes were Eric Metzler, president of thr Lepidopterists' Society, and John Peacock, president of The Ohio Lepidopterists. Dr. Rings, professor emeritus, Entomology, retired in 1977 from OARDC. Dr. Rings has published many articles on lepidoptera. He recently became a member of the Southern Lepidopterists' Society. RESEARCH REQUEST & MEMBERS NOTICE FOR SALE: light Traps, 12 volt DC or 110 volt AC with 15 watt or 8 watt black lights. The traps are portable and easy to use. Ram drains and beetle screens protect specimens from damage. For a free brochure and price list contact; Leroy C. Koehn, 207 Quail Trail, Greenwood, MS 38930-7315: Tel. 601-455-5498
NEWS OF SOUTHERN LEPIDOPTERISTS' SOCIETY
VOLUME 19 NO. 2 PG. 27
RECENTLY PUBLISHED BOOKS ON THE LEPIDOPTERA OF THE SOUTHERN REGION Tveten, John & Gloria. BUTTERFLIES OF HOUSTON & SOUTHEAST TEXAS. University of Texas Press, P.O. Box 7819, Austin, Texas 78713-7819. 304 pages, 275 color photographs, line drawings. Soft-cover, 6x8^ inches, ISBN 0-292-78142- $19.95. Hardcover, ISBN 0-292-78142-3, $45.00 This attractive field guide to the 102 butterfly species of the 150 recorded from southern Texas. The species accounts are well researched. Discriptions of the adults and larvae, ranges, seasonally, host plants, behavior, and other details are given. The book is nicely written and well illustrated with crisp color photographs. NEWSLETTER UP-DATE Vol. 19 No. 2 is the next Newsletter prior to the annual meeting. As a result, its publication was delayed until the details of annual meeting were completed. The annual meeting announcement is above. We apologize for the delay. The season is upon us and many of you are in the field. Remember to keep the state coordinators informed of your activities. Records are extremely important, even for very common species. Your activities and records could greatly increase our knowledge of the lepidoptera within your state and the region. Do you have interesting photographs of your activities and specimens? Your report is much more effective when photographs are included. Let your coordinator hear from you. We need to hear from you. Your views and opinions on our science and organization are important. Guest editorials are welcome. The annual meeting announcement appears above. It will be a good meeting. Make plans and attend the annual meeting in Gainesville, Florida. The newsletter deadlines for the remainder of Vol. 19 are as follows: No. 3:15 September 1997, and No. 4: 15 December 1997.1 will keep the deadline dates. The newsletter will be on time. CHANGES IN THE MEMBERSHIP NEW MEMBERS Robert S. Brown, 19940 Adams Rd., Ft. Myers, FL 33908 Jeremy Kuhn, 6202 Ashford Point Dr., San Antonio, TX 78240-5332 David Rice, 204 Cotton Street, Itta Bena, MS 38941 Dr. Roy W. Rings, Shadowbrook Lot 76,6710 Ellenton-Gillette Rd., Palmetto, FL 34221 Richard L. Romeyn, W5306 Emerald Ct., LaCrosse, WI54601-2482 William J. Triggs, 1676 NW 19th Circle, Gaineswville, FL 32605
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Jon D. Turner, 310 Cole Drive, Huntsville, AL 35802-2358 Michael William Witteman, 12220 New Sulfur Springs Road, Adkins, TX 78101 ADDRESS CHANGES James K. Adams, 1702 Crow Valley Rd. #704, Dalton, GA 30720 William J. Triggs, 2501 NW 27th Terrace, Gainesville, FL 32605 Carole Vollmer, 205 - 14th Street, New Orleans, LA 70124 DONATIONS ACKNOWLEDGED
JEFFREY SLOTTEN. TREASURER
The following members have made a financial contribution to the Society: Howard Grisham, Paul Milner, Jack R. Jones, Leroy C. Koehn, and Ben Williams.
NEWS OF SOUTHERN LEPIDOPTERISTS' SOCIETY
VOLUME 19 NO. 2 PG. 28
STATE COORDINATOR REPORTS We are in need of a coordinator for Alabama. If you are interested in becoming the state coordinator for Alabama, contact the Chairman: John V. Calhoun, 977 Wicks Drive, Palm Harbor, FL 34684-4656, Tel: 813-785-0715. ALABAMA: No coordinator. No Report! ARKANSAS: Mack Shotts, 514 W. Main Street, Paragould, AR, 72450 No report! FLORIDA: Tom Neal, 1705 NW 23rd Street, Gainesville, FL 32605 On the weekend of March 7-9, John Calhoun and Jeff Slotten met to explore several counties in the central Florida panhandle. After a mild winter, the season was running about 2 weeks ahead of schedule. Our primary target was Falcapica midea which has been recorded in Florida only twice. Unfortunately, we did not see this elusive species. The following is a report of the most interesting species found by J. Calhoun: Erynnis brizo brizo (fresh pair), 9 Mar, SW of Simmons, Wakulla County; Megathymus yuccae (active adults and pupae), Hitchcock and Whitehead Lake Recreation Areas, Liberty County, North of Marianna, Jackson County and Mack Lake Recreation Area, Wakulla County; Incisalia henrici rnargaretae. local, Whitehead Lake Rec. Area, Liberty County (few) and visiting redbud flowers, North of Marianna, Jackson County, Mitoura hesselL Mar. 8, (earliest Florida date), Apalachicola National Forest, Liberty County; Mitoura grynea grynea. Mar. 9, common, visiting redbud flowers north of Marianna, Jackson County; Anthanassa texana seminole, Mar. 9, Wetumpka, Gadsden County; Nymphalis 3QtiQj2& Mar. 7, one worn male (collected with the front of my car!), Whitehead Lake Recreation Area, Liberty County; Cyllopsis gemma. Mar. 9, Wetumpka, Gadsden County. On 24 May, a visit to the vicinity of Shadeville, Wakulla County, yielded a number of Harkenclenw titus mopsus. Most adults were found on New Jersey Tea, rather than butterfly-weed (although three were observed on the latter). This species is probably more widespread in the Florida panhandle, but is very local and easily overlooked. Problema byssus was also taken at the location. On 25 May, several Euphyes pilatka were found visiting pickerel-weed along U.S. 98 in Wakulla County. A quick stop at Gulf Hammock, Levy County yielded a single Mitoura grynea sweadneri. Anthanassa texana seminole was common (so were the deer flies!). A trip to the panhandle on 28-29 June resulted in the following records: Cercyonis pegala (fairly common hi a limited area) and P. byssus near Newport, Wakulla County. Several Pholisora catullus were found along the edges of four adjacent agricultural fields north of Marianna. This species has been found in Florida only in such agricultural environments. It has been recorded in six counties, but is probably overlooked as most lepidopterists would prefer to explore more "natural" habitats. Near Shadeville, Wakulla County, a number of fresh male Poanes zabulon were encountered visiting Helianthus sp.. showing that at least three broods, rather than the supposed two, occur in Florida. Also on Heliantfaus near Shadeville was Amblyscirtes aesulapius. On a recent research trip, David M. Wright examined scores of Celastrina specimens in Florida museum collections searching for additional records of the single brooded spring species most appropriately called Celastrina ladon (the multiple-brooded Celastrina neglecta is the more widespread species in Florida). He has increased the known Florida range of Celastrina ladon (previously referred to as Celastrina. violacea in this newsletter) to eight counties (all northern, including the panhandle). The oldest record dates back to 1961 and was collected by the late Chuck Zeiger. It really pays to collect Celastrina: there are a number of sibling species now recognized and additional taxa may yet be found in Florida. GEORGIA: James K. Adams, 1702-1005 Crow Valley Rd.., Dalton, GA 30720 Records are from James Adams, Mike Lockwood (ML), Don Rolfs (DR), Bill Russell (BR) and Irving Finkelstein (IF), and represent either newly identified or collected species (mostly for NW Georgia), or additional unusual records (range extensions, unusual dates, uncommon species, etc.). New records are hi bold; some of these may be common species, but simply previously uncollected. Records are from the Dalton/Rocky Face, Whitfield County area unless otherwise specified. "Tay." represents Taylor's Ridge, N. of Hwy. 16, five miles west of Villanow, Walker Co.; "Pig." represents west side of Pigeon Mountain, at "the Pocket", 12 miles SW of La Fayette, Walker Co.; "Car." represents Carbondale, at 1-75 exit 134, Whitfield Co.; "Mur." represents the Murray/Whitfield Co. line, nr. the Conasauga river, on Hwy. 76. LYCAENIDAE (all DR, all 21 iii. 1997): Incisalia augustus (Tay.); Parhassius m-album (3, Pig.; an unusually good spring for this species with several others being seen in several localities); Atlides halesus (Pig.); Glaucopsyche 1. lygdamus (Pig.). HESPERIIDAE: Poanes aaroni. 2 mi. N. of Okefenokee State Park, Ware Co., 7 iv. 1997. ARCTHDAE: Grammia figurata. several, 11 iv., 8 & 14 v. 1997 (Tay.); Holomelina laeta. 10 v. 1997, Pine Mountain, Harris Co. (COUNTY Record). NOCTUIDAE: Several Merolonche dollii were recorded this year, on the following dates: 12 iii. (5, two from Car.), 18 iii., and 20 iii. 1997; Acronicta tritona. 12 iv. 1997 (Tay., ML); Agriopodes fallax (4), 8 & 14 v. 1997 (Tay.); Calocasia propinquilinea. 12 iii. 1997, also two males, 18 iii. 1997 (Car.); Callopistria mollisima. several, v. 1997;
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Dysgonia smithiL 12 iv. 1997 (Tay., ML); Argyrostrotis anilis. 12 iv. 1997 (Tay.); Zale undularis. 21 v. 1997 (Tay.); Eutelia pulcherrima. several, v. and early vi.; Marathyssa basalis and Zale obliqua. Waycross, Ware Co., 6 iv. 1997. GEOMETRIDAE: Ceratonyx satanaria. 1-75 exit 123, (west of Red Top Mtn. SP), Bartow Co., 7 iii. 1997 (IF); Semiothisa quadrinotaria. 12 iii. 1997; Selenia kentaria. several specimens from several localities, all iii. 1997 (BR and IF records from Bartow Co.); Heliomata infulata. 11 iii. 1997, also 12 iii. 1997 (Tay., IF). DREPANIDAE: Drepana arcuata. 21 iii. 1997 (Mur., DR). LIMACQDIDAE: Packardia geminata. several, from 3- v. 1997. ZYGAENIDAE: Pyromorpha dimidiata. several, v. (Tay.). Correction to Report in Vol. 19, No. 1: Grammia doris. reported for 1 iii. 1997, should be Grammia arge. The Grammia arge (if that is what they truly are) from this area of the country are quite different to those I am familiar with from the midwest, with females having heavily-spotted, abundantly pink hindwings, quite unlike the immaculate white hindwings of midwestern Grammia arge females. The correction in identification comes as a result of rearing eggs from the collected female (from 1 iii. 1997), and discovering that the males are more typical of Grammia arge than Grammia doris. LOUISIANA: Vernon Brou, 74320 Jack Loyd Rd., Abita Springs, LA 70420 No report! MISSISSIPPI: Bryant Mather, 213 Mt. Salus Dr., Clinton, MS 39056 On 27 April and 3 May 1997, Leroy Koehn visited the Black Belt Prairie in Oktibbeha County and found Erynnis martialis. Atrytonopsis hianna. Thorybes bathyllus. Nastra Iherminier. Polites themistocles. Mitoura grynea. Strymon melinus. Anaea andria. Megisto cymela. Cyllopsis gemma. Battus philenor. Colias eurytheme. Zerene cesonia. and Phoebis sennae eubule. On 24 May 1997, Leroy Koehn and David Rice visited the Malmasion Wildlife Management Area in Grenada County and despite a rainy overcast conditions, they still managed to take, Nymphalis antiopa/very abundant in bait traps), Feniseca tarquinius. and Megisto cymela. Also in bait traps was Catocala illecta. On 4 June 1997, Leroy Koehn visited Woodall Mountain in Tishomingo County; the weather was overcast and a cool 71 degrees at 1 PM. He still managed to find: Erynnis martialis. Speyeria cybele. Charidryas gorgone. and Heraclides cresphontes. On 7 June 1997, Drew Hildebrandt and Leroy Koehn collected near the Tombigbee National Forest in Chickasaw County and found Autochton, cellus. Achalarus lyciades. Problema byssus. Nastra Iherminier, Polites origenes. Wallegrenia egeremet. Epargyreus clarus. Thorybes pylades. Thorybes bathyllus. Everes comyntas. Celastrina ladon. Strymon melinus. Satyrium calanus f alacer. Megisto cymela. Speyeria cybele. Polygonia interroganationis. Polygonia comma. Vanessa virginiensis. Anaea andria. Asterocampa celtis. Colias eurytheme. Zerene cesonia. Pterourus glaucus. and Pterourus troilus, At the Malmasion Wildlife Management Area they ran lights for moths and found: Callosamia angulifera. Haploa lecontei. Holomelina fcrruginosa. Holomelina aurantiaca. Alypia octomaculata. and Calycopis cecrops. They also found Catocala orba. Catocala innubens. and Catocala connubialis. NORTH CAROLINA: Steve Hall, NC Natural Heritage Program, Div. of Parks & Recreation, P.O. Box 27687, Raleigh, NC 27611 The following selected records were made by Harry LeGrand unless otherwise mentioned. All observations were made through binoculars. The main highlight of Spring 1997 was the very early flight period of many species, due to the very warm temperatures in February and March. A number of species were flying 10-14 days earlier than normal. Incisalia irus: Despite hours of searching, on several dates in April, I could not find this species around blooming stands of Lupinus diffusus in the North Carolina Sandhills and at a suitable looking sites in Sampson and Pender counties. I had seen the species at two sites in the Sandhills in previous years, perched on the top of the inflorescences (perhaps females ovipositing). This is one of the rarer butterflies in the state, but whether it has suffered declines in recent years is probably not known. However, its hostplants (Lupinus and Baptisia) are most numerous in sandy soils of the Coastal Plain, and much formerly suitable habitat has been fire-suppressed or destroyed, particularly away from the Sandhills region. In particular, Lupinus perennis seems to be much reduced in numbers and range over the North Carolina Coastal Plain. Fixsenia favonius "ontario": One individual of this form was seen nectaring on Vaccinium arboreum amid a Coastal Fringe Sandhill on the Brunswick County mainland near Seaside. Jeff Pippen and I made the observation on 18 May. The habitat consisted of Ouercus virginiana. Q> laevis. and Castaneapumila as dominant plants, along with the very common Vaccinium. Another hairstreak seen chasing bees nearby could have been a Fixsenia favonius/ontario also. The only other species seen nectaring in this habitat were Vanessa virginiensis and Strymon melinus.
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Parrhasius m-album: Jeff Pippen and I had a surprising ten individuals on the very early date of 2 March at Fort Fisher, New Hanover County. The habitat was groves of Ouercus virginiana. the likely hostplant there. Erora laeta: A female was seen basking on a leaf in a rich hardwood forest on 22 May in eastern Ashe County. Not only is this a rare species (especially in the first brood), but the elevation (2850 feet) was, by far, the lowest I have encountered the species. Celastrina neglectamajor: I carefully observed two or three fresh males on the lower slopes of Mount Jefferson State Park, Ashe County, on 20 May. On this date, I saw a number of worn to medium-worn Celastrina ladon in lower elevations in Ashe County, all of which were females. Interestingly, I saw three more fresh male Celastrina neglectamajor at a gravel area at the US 221 unit of New River State Park, also in Ashe County, on 21 May. At this site, but not at the gravel, I did see a handful of female Celastrina ladon. The Celastrina neglectamajor individuals were much larger than the Celastrina ladon and approached Chlosyne nycteis in size, which were also at the gravel area in the park. Thus, neglectamajor overlaps the latter part of the Celastrina ladon brood, though I have not seen males of both species flying together. Chlosyne nycteis: Three seen at two sites at Kerr Lake in Vance County on 14 May. This extends the known range in NC east by one county. The individuals were very fresh; habitats were varied, such as edges of clearcuts and a road margin. Phyciodes batesii: Derb Carter observed a fresh male on the very early date of 11 May in eastern Clay County. This site is about 0.2 mile from where I observed a worn female hi midJune 1996. The habitat at this location is sparsely vegetated roadcuts above 4000 feet, very similar in habitat and elevation to where Ron Gatrelle has found the species in adjacent Macon County, North Carolina. Danaus plexippus: By far the best spring flight I have seen in the past six or seven years. Usually five to ten seen daily all spring in 1997. Erynnis martialis: One fresh individual seen in Henderson County on 25 April, in comparison with Erynnis icelus. Erynnis brizo. and Erynnis juvenalis. A new county record, and earliest date known in the state, based on North Carolina Natural Heritage Program records. Hesperia metea: An early flight this year; usual flight is from about 15-25 April in the eastern Piedmont. Derb Carter saw a male at Raven Rock State Park, Harnett County, on 4 April, and a female there on 6 April. Carter and I saw three females at several sites in Sandhills Game Land, Scotland County (new county record), on 10 April. Scotland County is at the southeastern edge of the species' range. Euphyes bimacula: A fresh female was carefully identified through binoculars in central Harnett County, on 17 May. It was nectaring on Senecio smallii along the edge of a large ditch. The adjacent habitat is a cutover swamp with many sedges and other "savanna" plants. This is a new county record for North Carolina. The area has potential for other wetland skippers. Associated with the Euphyes bimacula were 10-12 Polites themistocles and about 5 Wallengrenia otho. [NOTE: the white veins on the under hind wing, white anal stripe, white underbody, and whitish fringe to the wings were very distinct. The ground color of the hind wing was a warm brown with a slight orange cast, but it certainly was not orange. The upperparts were dark brown with two small pale orange dots or spots near the cell of the fore wing. It was distinctly larger than the other two skipper species noted near it.] Amblyscirtes hegon: A fresh individual seen by Jeff Pippen and me in Montgomery County (new county record) on 19 April. Amblyscirtes Carolina: Four seen by Derb Carter at Raven Rock State Park, a previously known location, on the early date of 6 April. Amblyscirtes reversa: Five seen by Derb Carter and me at Green Swamp, Brunswick County, at a previously known location, on 13 April. Amblyscirtes vialis: One seen at Eno River State Park, Orange County, on 4 May; rather rare in the state. Amblyscirtes alternata: One seen by Carter and me at Green Swamp, Brunswick County, at a previously known location, on the early date of 13 April. Megathymus yuccae: Scott Hartley observed six individuals on yuccas planted along a driveway at Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve, Moore County, on 2 April. ************************ Additional North Carolina records: The following trip list for 5/4/97 was submitted by Harry Pavuulaan. S= sight record; N=net/release; V=voucher specimen. Gates County, Corapeake area (various roads and powerlines): Pterourus palamedes (1 S), Pterourus glaucus (3 S), Artogeia rapae (1 S), Abaeis nicippe (1N), Phyciodes tharos (10+ S,N), Polygonia interrogationis (2 S; one worn spring form, one fresh summer form), Basilarchia astyanax (2 S), Hermeuptychia sosybius (100+ S,N,V), Enodia spp. (1 V), Incisalia niphon (1 N), Amblyscirtes aesculapius (1 V) Gates County, NC 158 near Sudbury. P. palamedes (3 S; one at mud puddle), Pterourus glaucus (20+ S; most at mud puddle), Pterourus troilus (2 S; both at mud puddle), Eurytides marcellus (5 S; two spring form at mud puddle), Celastrina spp. (3 N,V; Hex opaca/Itea virginica-feeding spring taxon), Vanessa virginiensis (2 S), Basilarchia archippus (1 S; fresh dark "watsoni" type), Euptoieta claudia (1 S), Phyciodes tharos (2 N; spring form), Erynnis juvenalis (1 N) Pasquotank County, NC 158 west of Morgans Corner: Pterourus palamedes (1 S), Pterourus glaucus (3 S), Pterourus troilus (1 S), Eurytides marcellus (2 S), Artogeia rapae (1 S), Abaeis nicippe (3 S), Calycopis cecrops (1 N), Vanessa virginiensis (1 S), Basilarchia astyanax (1 S). Basilarchia archippus (1 S; typical form), Euptoieta claudia (1 S), Phyciodes tharos (2 S), Hermeuptychia sosybius (1 N), Amblyscirtes aesculapius (1 N).
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The following selected moth records were submitted by Steve HaU. All specimens were collected using a 15 w UV bucket trap unless otherwise noted. Glena plumosaria - Orange: 5/2 (male), 5/30 (female). This species is fairly common in stands of both red cedar and Atlantic white cedar, and occurs in both the Piedmont and Coastal Plain. In my neighborhood, cedars survive only as fairly sparse remnants of the original forest cover; however, this moth is a fairly regular visitor to my back porch light. Morrisonia n. sp. — Craven: 6/2. Several fresh individuals were collected in a hardwood-cane stand in the Croatan National Forest by Steve Hall, Bo Sullivan, and Eric Quinter. Lophosis labeculata — Craven: 6/2. One fresh individual collected at the same site as above. Acrapex relicta ~ Craven: 6/2. One individual collected at the same site as above. New cane moths — Craven: 6/2. Two individuals each were collected at the same site as above of two of Eric Quinter's new genera of caneboring noctuids. SOUTH CAROLINA: Ron Gatrelle, 126 Wells Rd.., Goose Creek, SC 29445 No report! TENNESSEE: John Hyatt, 439 Forest Hills Dr., Kingsport, TN 37663 Leory Koehn reported finding threeEnyo lugubris at wall lights at the Memphis International Airport in Shelby County on 3 July 1994. He usually finds this species later in the summer in central Mississippi. Comment anyone? TEXAS: Ed Knudsen, 8517 Burkhart, Houston, TX 77055 The weather in Texas this year has been unusual, in that it has actually rained in the spring. In fact most of the state (except, apparently, for the Davis Mountains) has had a very cool and wet spring, so much so that I believe that emergences of many species have been delayed. As usual, the worst weather occurs during major trips and on weekends. Prior to the Concan meeting, Bordelon and Knudson visited Big Bend National Park and the Davis Mountains in West Texas. In most areas butterflies were scarce, but in Big Bend (Green Gulch in the Chisos), we found many species, May 6-8, including Achalarus casica. Autochton ceUus. A. cincta. Codatractus arizonensis. Cogiahippalus. Piruna hafernicki. Paratrytone melane. Atrytonopsis python. A. Vierecki. and Sandia macfarlandi. There were many interesting moths, including one sesiid, Zenodoxus mexicanus. collected in the Chisos Basin on May 8. Ed Knudson made a "business" trip to Dallas on May 29-31. He collected at Lake Tawakoni, Hunt County on May 29 and made several interesting catches, including: Dypterygia rozmani. Oligia chlorostigma. Homohadena badistriga. Allagrapha aeria and Catocala mira. At Cedar Hill State park on May 31 he found Catocala minuta. Polypogon jacchusalis. Homohadena induta. Psorosina hammondi. and Glyphipterix cirxumscriptell a. The weekend of June 6-10, Charles Bordelon and Ed Knudson visited the Rio Grand valley, where butterflies were pretty dismal in spite of all the rain. A few good moths were flying, including the Pericopid, Phaeloesia saucia. of which 5 or 6 were seen but only Bordelon caught one. There was one new state record at Palm Grove in Brownsville on June 7, Thyridopyralis gallaerandialis. which occurs (rarely?) In the Florida Keys. It was on the trip back from the Rio Grande Valley that they made the most interesting catches. It seems that between June 6-10, Vitacea admiranda was abundant in the coastal bend area of Texas. They found it in Refugio, Nueces, Bee, Cameron, and Hidalgo counties. In San Patricio County, near Sinton, on June 10, they saw about 100 in a half an hour! VIRGINIA: Harry Pavulaan, 494 Fillmore Street, Herndon, VA 22070 Counties listed first. Note, new County records are in all-caps. New independent-city records (equal to county status) are listed similarly. Following the county/independent city listing, are: date; name of nearest community and/or locality (if given); reporting person's initials; means of identification (if known) in parentheses; and any observational notes. Some second county records, based on photography or collection records, have been included to validate previous sight reports. Key to sources: CH= Carolyn P. Henly, CL=Chris Ludwig, CR=Celastrina ladon revision project, David Wright deteminations, DM=Donald H. Miller, DP= David Powell (fide CH), HO=Chris Hobson (fide SR), HP=Harry Pavulaan, MA=Margaret Abbott, NY= New York City Butterfly Club field trip notes, RA=Richard Anderson, RE=Robert Epperson, RL=Robert Lyon, SR=Steve Roble, WH=William Hark Epargryeus clams : CHARLOTTE: 4/19/97, Red Hill, RE (sight). GOOCHLAND: 6/15/96, CH. Urbanus proteus: NORTHAMPTON: 10/8/97,10/9/97,10/7/95, all Kiptopeke State Park, SR (sight). SUSSEX: 11/4/94, Waverly, SR (sight). Archalarus Ivciades: Fairfax: 6/10/97, Herndon, HP (sight), observed nectaring on Red Clover, but chased away by a Megisto cymela.
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Brynnisjuvenalis: BEDFORD city: 4/16/97, Liberty Lake Park, RE (sight). CHARLOTTE: 4/19/97, Red Hill, RE (sight). Fairfax: 4/20/97, Herndon, Runnymede Park, HP (sight, net/release). Major outbreak, with over 100 individuals counted in 15 minutes along main woodland trail. 4/24/97, Great Falls National Park, HP (sight). Similar major outbreak, with over 100 individuals counted in all areas of park in 1 hour. 5/12/97, Herndon, Runnymede Park, HP (net/release), 2 fresh individuals! FAUQUIER: 5/6/97, Blue Mountain, RL (photo). Erynnis icelus: CHARLOTTE: 4/19/97, Red Hill, RE (sight). Fairfax: 5/12/97, Herndon, Runnymede Park, HP (net£elease), 1 fresh individual! Pyrgus centaureae wyandot: ALLEGHANY: 5/8/97, SR & HO (capture confirmation). Prygus communis: NORTHAMPTON: OCT. 1996, Franktown, MA (sight). POWHATAN: 6/15/97, CH. Polite peckius: NORTHAMPTON: NOV. 1996, Franktown, MA (sight). Polites themistocles: POWHATAN: 6/15/96, CH. Polites vibex: BEDFORD: 7/23/96, near Lynchburg, RE (sight), observed on Salvia "BlueVictoria". Wallengrenia egeremet: POWHATAN: 6/15/96, CH. Capodes minimus: POWHATAN (STATE): 6/15/97, (no location given). A tough call here. State records unsupported by voucher specimens are not normally accepted by the Lepidopterologist community. However, circumstances allow the record to at least be reported as a net/release record of interest. The specimen was netted, identified and released by David Powell who was on visit to participate in the 1996 Maidens, VA. 4th of July count. Carolyn Henly (count coordinator) informed me that Mr. Powell has had considerable experience identifying C. minimus during many 4th of July counts in his home state of Texas, where the species is frequently recorded. The specimen was examined by the three members of the count party and released inadvertantly because party members apparently were not aware of the rareness of the insect hi Virginia. Subsequent search to recapture the specimen proved unsuccessful. Pompeis verna: GOOCHLAND: 6/15/97, CH. Poanes zabulon: POWHATAN: 6/15/97, CH. Battus philenor: CLARKE: 6/8/97, Blue Mountain, HP (sight). Eurytides marcellus: GOOCHLAND: 6/15/97, CH. POWHATAN: 6/15/97,CH. Pterourus glaucus: BEDFORD city: 4/16/97, Liberty State Park, RE (sight). CHARLOTTE: 4/4/97, WH (sight); 4/19/97, Red Hill, RE (sight). POWHATAN: 6/15/97, CH. WINCHESTER city: 4/26/97, HP (sight). Papilio polvxenes: CAMPBELL: 4/4/97, WH. POWHATAN: 6/15/97, CH. Pterourus troilus: GOOCHLAND: 6/15/97, CH. POWHATAN: 6/15/97, CH. Artogiearapae: BEDFORD city: 4/16/97, Liberty Lake Park, RE. CHARLOTTE: 4/4/97, WH (sight). WINCHESTER city: 4/26/97, HP (sight). Pontia protodice: RICHMOND city: 9/22/96, Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, WH. Falcapica midea: ALLEGHANY: 5/8/97, several sites, SR & HO (collected). CULPEPER: APR. 1997, Lake Pelham, DM (collected). LOUISA: APR. 1997, HO (collected). LYNCHBURG city: 4/13/97, RE (sightlEuchloeolympia: RUSSELL: APR. 1997, several sites, HO & CL (collected). Colias eurytheme: POWHATAN: 6/15/97, CH. WINCHESTER city: 4/26/97, HP (sight). Colias philodice: BEDFORD city: 4/16/97, Liberty Lake Park, RE (sight). CHARLOTTE: 4/4/97, WH; 4/19/97, Red Hill, RE (sight). LYNCHBURG city: 4/13/97, RE (sight). WINCHESTER city: 4/26/97, HP (sight). Prysitia lisa: ACCOMACK: 10/15/93, Chincoteague, NY (sight). Abaeis nicippe: MECKLENBURG: 5/6/97, Kerr Reservoir, HO (collected). Feniseca tarquinius: ISLE OF WIGHT: (no data), SR. VIRGINIA BEACH: (no data), RA (collected). Lycaena phlaeas: ALLEGHANY: 5/7/97, Cowpasture River, SR (photo). Mitoura gryneus: ALLEGHANY: 5/8/97, Potts Creek, SR & HO (collected). CHARLOTTE: 4/4/97, WM (photo); 5/6/97, Kerr Reservoir, HO (many observed). Calycopis cecrops: ALLEGHANY: 5/8/97, several sites, SR & HO (collected). Fairfax and Loudoun: Spring brood missing. First year since 1981, that the species was not seen through the spring, as of 6/12/97. Insicalia niphon: ALLEGHANY: 5/2/94, Potts Creek shale barren, SR (sight). CHARLOTTE: 4/4/97, WH. CULPEPER: (1997, no data), DM (collected). Fixnia favonius Ontario: Fairfax: 6/10/97, Herndon, HP (collected), freshly-emerged female nectaring on Ptelea trifoliata blossoms in suburban garden. Pharrias m-album: ALLEGHANY: 5/8/97, SR & HO (collected). Strymon melinus: CHARLOTTE: 4/19/97, Red Hill (RE). POWHATAN: 6/15/96, CH. Everes comyntas: BEDFORD city: 4/20/97, Liberty Lake Park, RE (sight). CHARLOTTE: 4/19/97, Red Hill (RE). Celastrina sp.: ("all" category, exact taxon undetermined). These are usually reported as Celastrina ladon or Spring Azure. Several entities reside in the state. Revised taxonomy pending work by David Wright and Harry Pavulaan. ALLEGHANY: 5/7/97,5/8/97, several sites, SR & HO (sight). BEDFORD city: 4/17/97, Liberty Lake Park, RE (sight). LYNCHBURG city: 4/13/97, RE (sight). Celastrina ladon: (= violacea [Edwards]) Cornus florida associated taxon. BATH: determinations per David Wright. GILES: determinations per David Wright. ROCKBRIDGE: determinations per David Wright. WYTHE: determinations per David Wright. Celastrina neglecta: Fairfax: 5/31/97, Herndon, HP (net/release), first neglecta of the season. Late emergence. Celastrina neglectamajor: Fairfax: 5/12/97, Great Falls National Park, Difficult Run stream valley, HP (one large male observed). Fauquier: 6/8/97, Blue Mountain top, HP. Host plants not in prime condition at mountain peak (very few developing flower buds). No eggs found. Clarke: 6/8/97, Blue Mountain north side. Host plants at middle elevations produced developing flower buds. Numerous eggs found (several collected for rearing). Glaucopsyche lygdamus: AT I .ROMANY- 5/8/97, several sites, SR & HO (collected). Libytheana bachmanni: Northampton: 11/24/96, Franktown, MA (sight), very late record. POWHATAN: 6/15/96. CH. Euptoieta claudia: POWHATAN: 6/15/97, CH. Speyeria cvbele: GOOCHLAND: 6/15/96, CH. POWHATAN: 6/15/96, CH. ALLEGHANY: 5/8/97, SR (sight). Fairfax: 3/29/97 through 4/13/97, Herndon, HP (sight, video-filmed), same individual remaining in garden through period, mainly around firewood pile. POWHATAN: 6/15/96, CH. Polygonia comma: BEDFORD city: 4/16/97, Liberty Lake Park, RE (sight). FREDERICK: 4/26/97, Cross Junction, HP (net/release). GOOCHLAND: 6/15/96, CH. Nymphalis antiopa: BEDFORD city: 4/16/97, Liberty Lake Park, RE (sight). Fauquier: 6/8/97, Blue Mountain, HP and daughters (net/release), common in clearings around antenna towers. Several were observed playing dead after being captured. GOOCHLAND: 6/15/96, CH. Vanessa cardui: Northampton: 11/24/96, Franktown, MA (sight), very late record. Vanessa virginiensis: ALLEGHANY: 5/7/97,5/8/97, Johnson Creek, SR (sight & photo). GOOCHLAND: 6/15/96, CH. Vanessa atalanta: CLARKE: 6/8/97, Blue Mountain north side, HP (net/release). GOOCHLAND: 6/15/96, CH. Northampton: 11/24/96, Franktown, MA (sight), very late record.
NEWS OF SOUTHERN LEPIDOPTERISTS* SOCIETY
VOLUME 19 NO. 2 PG. 33
Junonia coenia: Northampton: 11/24/96, Franktown, MA (sight), very late record. Basilarchia arthemis astyanax: CHARLOTTE: 4/19/97, Red Hill, RE (sight). GOOCHLAND: 6/15/96, CH. Asterocampa celtis: GOOCHLAND: 6/15/96, CH. Asterocampa clyton: POWHATAN: 6/15/96, CH. Enodiaportlandia: Chesapeake: 5/4/97, areas around Hampton Roads Airport, HP (sight, collected), small outbreak or mass-emergence. Found in all wooded locations. Suffolk: 5/4/97, several sites north and west of Great Dismal Swamp, HP (sight, collected), apparent outbreak. Common in most wooded locations.Satyrodes appalachia: GOOCHLAND: 6/15/96, CH. POWHATAN: 6/15/96, CH. Megisto cymela (early, spring "type-I" taxon): Fairfax: 6/9/97, Herndon, Runnymede Park, HP (sight), major outbreak, extremely common in all areas of park, with over 200 counted in 45 minutes. Loudoun: 5/27/97, 6/4/97, Sterling, Claude Moore Park, HP (sight), nectaring abundantly on Blackberry blossoms. Very common, 6/9/97, Sterling, Washington-Old Dominion Regional Bike Trail, HP (sight, net/release), major outbreak, extremely abundant with hundreds seen in one half hour. Hermeuptychia sosybius: Chesapeake: 5/4/97, areas around Hampton Roads Airport, HP (sight, collected), major outbreak. Abundant in all locations. Suffolk: 5/4/97, several sites north and west of Great Dismal Swamp, HP (sight,collected), major outbreak. Abundant everywhere. Over 200 counted along a powerline near Corapeake, N.C., on Virginia side. Cercyonis pegalai NORTHAMPTON: OCT. 1996, Franktown, MA (sight), a late record. Danaus plexippus: Major northward movement in spring, as evidenced by multiple daily sightings of worn, aged females heading due north throughout the entire Washington D.C. metropolitan region. First sighting was on 4/26/97 in Hedgesville, W.V. (Berkeley Co.), heading north. Sightings continuous almost daily until 5/18/97. CHARLOTTE: 4/19/97, Red Hill, RE (sight). Fairfax: 5/3/97, Herndon, HP (sight, video-filmed), female oviposited heavily on 80+ young Asclepias tuberosa shoots. Over 200 eggs (no doubt from multiple females) counted. 5/6/97, Herndon, HP, over 300 eggs counted on 120+ young A. tuberosa shoots. Interestingly, Asclepias incarnata was ignored. 5/20/97, Herndon, HP, over 400 young larvae counted on Asclepias tuberosa. Heavy feeding damage. Subsequent heavy predation over the following weeks led to loss of almost all larvae. One single grown larva and minimal feeding damage evident by 6/9/97. GOOCHLAND: 6/15/96, CH. Northampton: 11/24/96, Franktown, MA (sight), very late record. Hemaris diffinis: Fairfax: 4/15/97, Herndon, HP (video-filmed), nectaring on pink Creeping Plox. Amphion floridensis: FAUQUEER: 6/8/97, Blue Mountain, HP (collected), imbibing on horse droppings in woodland. Xanthotype urticaria: BEDFORD: 5/28/97, near Lynchburg, RE (sight).
The Southern Lepidopterists' News is published four times annually. Membership dues are $12.00 annually. The organization is open to anyone with an interest in the Lepidoptera of the southern United States. Information about he Society may be obtained from, and dues may be sent to: Jeffrey R. Slotten, Treasurer, 5421 NW 69th Lane, Gainesville, FL 32653
SOUTHERN LEPIDOPTERISTS' SOCIETY c/o LEROY C. KOEHN, THE EDITOR 207 QUAIL TRAIL GREENWOOD, MS 38930-7315
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YOUR LAST NEWSLETTER!! The 1997 dues notice appeared in the last newsletter and are due now. This will be the last notice. If you have paid your 1997 dues, your address label on this newsletter will have the year 1997 on it. If it does not have 1997, your 1997 are past due! Those who have not paid their 1997 dues by 30 September 1997 will be removed from the membership and will no longer receive the Society's publications. This includes the newsletter. Dues are $12.00 per year. If you have any questions about your dues or changes to your mailing label, please contact: Jeffrey R. Slotten, 5421 NW 69th Lane, Gainesville, FL 32653 There are many changes taking place in the Society. There will be field meetings and other exciting activities in 1998, mcluding our twenty year aniversary. We need your help and support Send in your dliCS now! Do you like what is happening to the Society? If you do, tell your friends about us. Do you know former members. Tell them as well. Anyone with an interest in any aspect of Lepiodoptera is welcome. si* si* ^J> si* r^ *•!* r|^ *•!* *•!* *1* si* *1* ry» *•!* si* si* si* si* *^ si* si* si* r^ si* w*^ si* si* *^* si* *1* si* ^If si* si* rj> r^> si* ry» r|^ r^ si* »^ si* r^ si* »^> si* v1^ si* *^ si* «^* si* *^ si* w|> si* rj^ s]U *J^ si* »^ si* *^ si* »^ si* »^ si* *^ si* *^ si* ^^ si* ^» sJ^ *^ si* vf*1 si* «^|^ si*